[coloradan]

The city firefighters are not allowed to fight fires outside their district unless so directed since they must be ready to respond to an emergency within their district.

Fails the laugh test: so they just stand around and watch it burn, doing nothing except blocking the way for other fire trucks?

Behold the power of government services: it's not only not in my job description (the union response) but it's legally prohibited for me to assist you (the government response). So, I'll just stand around, maybe order a pizza or some popcorn and watch. Say, there's a fire here; anyone bring marshmallows?

[RightWhale]

so they just stand around and watch it burn

Yes, and make sure the fire doesn't spread to property in their district of responsibility. Nobody is laughing.